Radio controlled surface target

ABSTRACT

The application describes a ground target having replaceable or interchangeable envelopes or bodies for a single frame or chassis. These bodies are preferably made of a lightweight material such as polyurethane foam or foamed fiberglass, and upon being damaged or destroyed can be easily replaced. The target is remotely controlled by a radio link which permits evasive movement as well as a realistic simulation of actual ground vehicles. An armored shield is mounted on the frame under the envelope and protects the running gear and receiving and control means from damage by weapons. High flotation tires can be provided to enable operation of the target on soft surfaces.

United States Patent [1 1 Gothard, Jr. et a1.

[ Nov. 4, 1975 RADlO CONTROLLED SURFACE TARGET [73] Assignee: CelescoIndustries Inc., Costa Mesa,

Calif.

[22] Filed: Nov. 4, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 520,786

[52] US. Cl 273/l05.2; 280/1.1 R; 296/31 R;

273/D1G. 7; 273/D1G. 8 [51] Int. Cl. F41J 9/02 [58] Field of Search273/85 R, 105.2, 105.6;

46/219, 223, 243 LV, 243 MV, 244 B; 280/l.l R; 296/31 R, 3.1 A

3,417,507 12/1968 Ryan 273/1052 3,613,097 10/1971 Daughenbaugh 273/10523,849,931 11/1974 Gulley 46/219 Primary Examiner-Anton O. OechsleAssistant Examiner-Marvin Siskind Attorney, Agent, or FirmFinnegan,Henderson, Farabow & Garrett ABSTRACT The application describes a groundtarget having replaceable or interchangeable envelopes or bodies for asingle frame or chassis. These bodies are preferably made of alightweight material such as polyurethane foam or foamed fiberglass, andupon being damaged or destroyed can be easily replaced. The target isremotely controlled by a radio link which permits evasive movement aswell as a realistic simulation of actual ground vehicles. An armoredshield is mounted on the frame under the envelope and protects therunning gear and receiving and control means from damage by weapons.l-ligh flotation tires can be provided to enable operation of the targeton soft surfaces.

10 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures U.S. Patent Nov. 4, 1975 Sheet1of4'3,917,270

/ I \l 7/ 4 RADIO CONTROLLED TARGET MANEUVERING RANGE s2 RAKE SHACK 0"us. Patent Nov.4,1975 sheetzom 3,917,270

US. Patent Nov. 4, 1975 Sheet 3 of4 3,917,270

FIG. 5

US. Patent Nov. 4, 1975 Sheet4 of4 3,917,270

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RADIO CONTROLLED SURFACE TARGET BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field ofthe Invention This invention relates to a radio controlled surfacetarget and more particularly to a remotely guided moving target meant togive a realistic simulation of various threats for air-to-ground andground-to-ground weapons training and evaluation.

2. Prior Art A requirement exists in the government inventory oftraining devices for a low-cost, realistic moving target forair-toground and ground-to-ground weapons delivery training. Typicallyprior art targets are surplus vehicles modified for remote controloperation. Particular problems with these targets include the initialhigh cost, the difficulty in obtaining spare or replacement targets, thehigh labor maintenance cost, the heavy weight of the vehicles and poorfuel economy.

Further, where the armored targets are used it is difficult to scorehits and misses satisfactorily and requires that a large number ofpeople be employed on the weapons range to evaluate performance duringtraining and testing missions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is a primary object of thisinvention to provide a new and improved target.

It is a further object to provide a new lightweight, low-cost,interchangeable, frangible moving target which can preferably beoperated on any air-to-ground weapons range.

Another object of this invention is to provide a realistic remotecontrol moving target.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a remote controltarget having replaceable bodies made of a lightweight destructiblematerial.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a target having anarmored shield positioned under the body which is designed to protectthe frangible target components from damage caused by weapon impact orexplosion.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inpart in the description which follows, and in part, will be obvious fromthe description or may be learned from practice of the invention. Theobjects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained bymeans of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed outin the appended claims.

To achieve the foregoing objects and in accordance with the purpose ofthe invention as embodied and broadly described herein, there isprovided a ground target for simulating moving ground vehicles whichincludes a frame having wheels disposed thereon, running gear affixed tosaid frame for operating and maneuvering said target, and meansdisposedon said tar-- get for receiving radio signals and controlling saidrunning gear, in which an improvement comprises a lightweight,interchangeable, frangible target envelope formed in the shape of aground vehicle affixed to said frame, and an armored shield positionedon said frame under said target envelope and defined to cover saidrunning gear and said receiving and controlling means, therebyprotecting said running gear and said receiving and controlling meansfrom damage by weapons.

Further, there is provided a ground target for simulating moving groundvehicles which includes a frame having wheels disposed thereon, runninggear affixed to said frame for operating and maneuvering said target,and means disposed on said target for receiving radio signals andcontrolling said running gear, in which an improvement comprises anarmored shield positioned on said frame and designed to cover saidrunning gear and said receiving and controlling means, therebyprotecting said running gear and said receiving and controlling meansfrom damage by weapons, and a series of lightweight, interchangeable,frangible target envelopes formed in the shapes of ground vehicles, eachof said envelopes being designed to be affixed to said frame and coversaid armored shield.

Preferably, the target envelope includes means for making the targetenvelope radar reflective.

It is also preferred that the target envelope is selected from the groupof materials consisting of polyurethane foam and foamed fiberglass.

The invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements,combinations, and improvements shown and described. The accompanyingdrawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of thisspecification, illustrate one embodiment of the invention, and, togetherwith the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view showingthe use of the present invention for air-to-ground weapons deliverytraining;

FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 44 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 5--5 of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the means for receiving radio signals andcontrolling said running gear.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Reference will now be made indetail to the present preferred embodiment of the invention, an exampleof which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Referring now to FIG. 1, it may be seen that a target 10 is desirablymoved above a range, here shown as an open flat space so as to provide arealistic training device. Target 10 is radio controlled on the targetrange by radio signals 12 transmitted by a control tower 14.

As shown in FIGS. 2-5, the target 10 for simulating moving groundvehicles in its preferred embodiment comprises a frame or chassis 16having wheels 18 disposed thereon, running gear 22 affixed to said frame16 for operating and maneuvering the target 10, and means for receivingradio signals and controlling the running gear 43. The frame 16 utilizesa solid axle 15 to mount the front wheels 18f and a wishbone fork 19 tomount the rear steering wheel 18r. Although a threewheel targetvehicleis illustrated, a four-wheel vehicle or the like may also readilybe used to accomplish the objects and advantages of the presentinvention.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, a modified frame 16 has a raised rigid cage17 to provide additional structural support and rigidity. The modifiedframe 16 includes split axles to mount the front wheels 18fand thewishbone fork 19 is used to mount the rear steering wheel l8r. Otherminor structural variations appear between the frames 16 and 16' of FIG.2 and FIGS. 3-5, respectively, however, these variations are notimportant in accomplishing the objects and advantages of the presentinvention.

As here embodied, and best seen in FIGS. 2-6, running gear 22 operatesand maneuvers the target 10 and includes the conventional elements of adrive train 23 having an engine 24 for driving the wheels 18 at variablespeeds, a steering mechanism 25, a disc brake 40 for stopping the target10 and a battery 42 for starting the drive train engine 24. Typically,the drive train 23 uses a small industrial internal combustion engine 24which is chain-connected to a transmission 26 and to a series ofsprockets 28, 30, and 32 so as to provide power to the wheels 18. Asuitable engine 24 is a Tecumseh 10 horsepower engine which providessufficient power to propel the target in excess of speeds of miles perhour and provides economy better than 50 miles per gallon. A batterydriven electric motor may also be used as the prime mover in the drivetrain 23.

The transmission 26 is preferably a torque sensitive variable speedautomatic transmission to provide great flexibility in range and speedsof the target. The steering mechanism is a tiller type device andcomprises an actuator 34 which is connected through a shock absorber 36to rear wheel shaft 38. Displacement of actuator 34 correspondinglyrotates the rear wheel in the appropriate direction. The battery 42 iselectrically connected to a motor starter (not shown) to provide enginestarting. The hardware and components of the running gear 22 are wellknown in the art of golf cart technology, and are not considered a partof this invention.

As may be seen in FIG. 6, the means 43 for receiving radio signals andcontrolling the running gear preferably uses conventional, commercialelectronics. A transmitter 44 is located at radio control tower l4 and areceiver 45 is mounted on the frame 16 of the target vehicle. Both thetransmitter 44 and receiver 45 can be commercially available remotecontrol units routinely used by hobbyists and the like in controllingmodel airplanes, boats and cars. This relatively inexpensiveremote-control equipment, coupled with a high gain horn antenna at thetransmitter 44 can provide a sufficient gain for operation of targetsover a mile away.

As embodied herein means 43 provides the function of remote steering,remote throttling, remote starting and remote braking. As illustrated inmore detail in FIG. 6, each remote control function of steering,throttling, starting and braking preferably includes receiver 45, poweramplifier 47, servo amplifier 48 and prime mover (not shown). Typically,the prime mover actuates a mechanical actuator (not shown) or the like,the position of which is controlled by a position feedback pot situatedbetween an upper and lower range adjustment device. In this manner, therunning gear 22 for operating and maneuvering the target 10 is remotelycontrolled by radio signals. The components of the receiving andcontrolling means 43 are well known in the electronics art, and are notconsidered to be a part of this invention.

In accordance with the invention and turning once again to FIG. 2, alightweight, interchangeable, frangible target envelope 50 is formed inthe shape of a ground vehicle and an armored shield 50 is positionedunder the envelope 50 which is designed toprotect running gear 22 andmeans 43 from damage caused by weapon impact or explosion. The envelope50 and shield are both affixed to a cross brace 51 of frame 16 bysuitable mechanical means as hinges or the like. The envelope 50 whichis replaceable, is expectedto become damaged or destroyed during targetpractice and is preferably an inexpensive component of the target 10.The rest of the target 10, however, in particular, apparatus such as theengine 24, transmission 26, drive train 23, steering mechanism 25,controlling and receiving means and the like are relatively expensiveand are protected from damage by use of the armored shield 68.

In accordance with the invention, a series of interchangeable, frangibletarget envelopes 50 may be formed in the shapes of ground vehicles. Eachof the envelopes are designed to be affixed to the frame 16 and coverthe armored shield 60. This series of envelopes provides a readilyaccessible source of replaceable envelopes to replace those envelopesdamaged or destroyed by weapons.

In the preferred construction, the material for the target envelope 50is selected from the group of materials consisting of polyurethane foamand foamed fiberglass. Other suitable materials also may be utilized,provided they are low cost, lightweight, and frangible in that thematerial can absorb multiple weapons projectile penetrations with aminimal loss of structural strength. Further, the materials should beeasily repairable, simple to fabricate, and have the ability to befabricated with tools having a low initial cost.

A suitable material with which to construct the envelope 50 is a 4 lb.per cubic foot polyurethane foam which is blown into a mold. Preferably,the envelope will be constructed in two symmetrical halves. The envelopestructure 50 may also be scaled to size so as to be larger or smallerthan the actual target which isasimulated. In this manner, the 'target10 may be constructed to a preferred size in order to provide realisticrange training as well as facilitate storage and transportation of thetarget 10. The target envelope shapes include, without limitation,tanks, armored cars, trucks, missile carriers, and armored personnelcarriers.

Preferably, the target envelope includes means for making the targetradar-reflective. As here embodied, and best seen in FIG. 4, the targetenvelope includes a hardware mesh 54 such as one-quarter inch hardwaremesh, which is embedded in the target envelope at time of manufacture.This mesh 54 also adds structural strength. Red pigment may also beadded to the target material foam to provide a maintenance-free, highlyvisible target.

As best illustrated by the dotted line in FIG. 4, the target envelope 50is affixed to the cross brace 51' of the frame 16 by mechanical meanssuch as piano hinges 53 to provide quick easy access to the running gear22 and the receiving and controlling means 43.

Further, the symmetrical half structure of the envelope allows a simpletwo-man assembly or disassembly of the target envelope 50 in the fieldwhich may be easily accomplished by using standard hand tools.

In accordance with the invention and as best illustrated in FIG. 2, thearmored shield 60 is positioned under the target envelope and covers therunning gear,

together with the receiving and controlling means 43. This shield is ofselected standard armored plate well known to those skilled in the art,and provides protection to the above components from damage by weapons.As embodied herein, the shield walls 62 are structured so as to definecurved, slanted or inclined surfaces, thereby providing a surface whichreadily deflects weapon fragments and projectiles. Preferably, theshield 60 is positioned on frame cross bar 51 by hinges 54 so as to beeasily raised from the frame 16 to allow quick access to the runninggear 22 and the receiving and controlling means 43. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the rigid cage 17 is positioned to provide further support tothe target envelope 50.

Preferably, the wheels 18 include high flotation tires 20 which permitsthe operation of the target 10 on soft surfaces such as desert or swampterrain.

As may be seen in FIG. 2, the frame 16 is made of tube steel which iswelded into the desired shape. A suitable steel is 1010 steel which isof a tubular or square cross section.

The present invention provides a low-cost remote controlled surfacetarget which permits evasive movement, utilizes quick change,inexpensive target envelopes to realistically simulate different vehicleshapes, and includes an armored shield beneath the envelope to protectthe expensive running gear and the receiving and controlling means.

Thus, it is apparent there has been provided in accordance with theinvention a radio controlled surface target that fully satisfies theobjects, aims, and advantages set forth above. While the invention hasbeen described in conjunction with the specific embodiments thereof, itis evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will beapparent to those skilled in the art in the light of such foregoingdescription. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all suchalternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spiritand scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a ground target for simulating moving ground vehicles:

a. a frame having wheels disposed thereon;

b. running gear affixed to said frame for operating and maneuvering saidtarget, and

c. means disposed on said target for receiving radio signals andcontrolling said running gear, wherein the improvement comprises:

d. a lightweight, interchangeable, frangible target envelope formed inthe shape of a ground vehicle affixed to said frame, and

e. an armored shield positioned on said frame under said target envelopeand defined to cover said running gear and said receiving andcontrolling means, thereby protecting said running gear and saidreceiving and controlling means from damage by weapons.

2. The target of claim 1, wherein said target envelope includes meansfor making the target radar reflective.

3. The target of claim 2, wherein said target envelope is made of amaterial selected from the group consisting of polyurethane foam andfoamed fiberglass.

4. The target of claim 3, wherein said means for making the target radarreflective includes steel mesh embedded in the target envelope.

5. The target of claim 4, wherein said wheels include high flotationtires, thereby providing for the operation of the target on softsurfaces.

6. In a ground target for simulating moving ground vehicles including:

a. a frame having wheels disposed thereon;

b. running gear affixed to said frame for operating and maneuvering saidtarget, and

0. means disposed on said target for receiving radio signals andcontrolling said running gear, wherein the improvement comprises:

. an armored shield positioned on said frame and designed to cover saidrunning gear and said receiving and controlling means thereby protectingsaid running gear and said receiving and controlling means from damageby weapons, and

e. a series of lightweight interchangeable, frangible target envelopesformed in the shapes of ground vehicles, each of said envelopes beingdesigned to be affixed to said frame and cover said armored shield.

7. The target of claim 6, wherein each target envelope includes meansfor making the target radar reflective.

8. The target of claim 7, wherein said means for making the target radarreflective includes steel mesh embedded in the target envelope.

9. The target of claim 7, wherein each target envelope is made of amaterial-,selected from the group consisting of polyurethane foam andfoamed fiberglass.

10. The target of claim 9, wherein said wheels include high flotationtires, thereby providing for the operation of the target on softsurfaces.

1. In a ground target for simulating moving ground vehicles: a. a framehaving wheels disposed thereon; b. running gear affixed to said framefor operating and maneuvering said target, and c. means disposed on saidtarget for receiving radio signals and controlling said running gear,wherein the improvement comprises: d. a lightweight, interchangeable,frangible target envelope formed in the shape of a ground vehicleaffixed to said frame, and e. an armored shield positioned on said frameunder said target envelope and defined to cover said running gear andsaid receiving and controlling means, thereby protecting said runninggear and said receiving and controlling means from damage by weapons. 2.The target of claim 1, wherein said target envelope includes means formaking the target radar reflective.
 3. The target of claim 2, whereinsaid target envelope is made of a material selected from the groupconsisting of polyurethane foam and foamed fiberglass.
 4. The target ofclaim 3, wherein said means for making the target radar reflectiveincludes steel mesh embedded in the target envelope.
 5. The target ofclaim 4, wherein said wheels include high flotation tires, therebyproviding for the operation of the target on soft surfaces.
 6. In aground target for simulating moving ground vehicles including: a. aframe having wheels disposed thereon; b. running gear affixed to saidframe for operating and maneuvering said target, and c. means disposedon said target for receiving radio signals and controlling said runninggear, wherein the improvement comprises: d. an armored shield positionedon said frame and designed to cover said running gear and said receivingand controlling means thereby protecting said running gear and saidreceiving and controlling means from damage by weapons, and e. a seriesof lightweight interchangeable, frangible target envelopes formed in theshapes of ground vehicles, each of said envelopes being designed to beaffixed to said frame and cover said armored shield.
 7. The target ofclaim 6, wherein each target envelope includes means for making thetarget radar reflective.
 8. The target of claim 7, wherein said meansfor making the target radar reflective includes steel mesh embedded inthe target envelope.
 9. The target of claim 7, wherein each targetenvelope is made of a material selected from the group consisting ofpolyurethane foam and foamed fiberglass.
 10. The target of claim 9,wherein said wheels include high flotation tires, thereby providing forthe operation of the target on soft surfaces.